My Houzz: Graphic Vintage Style in an East London Townhouse

White walls and dark floors provide a canvas for framed vintage prints and midcentury furnishings in the home of a fashion writer

November 1, 2012
I'm a creative photographer who shoots interiors, events, people and more. I also produce photo art prints on request. I love space and colour, and excellent design, and am inspired by music and nature. I am friendly and dedicated, and like creating.
I'm a creative photographer who shoots interiors, events, people and more. I also... More
Comment17
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From vintage fashion posters set against stark white walls to handpicked furniture, fashion writer and journalist Hywel Davies' terrace townhouse carefully balances functional flow with ideal spaces for entertaining. "I opted for pure white walls and dark floors to serve as a blank canvas for my furniture and accessories," he says, "which is where I think the main design personality is found."

When Davies bought the house two years ago, he set to work right away, ripping out all the carpets, stripping the floorboards, installing a new kitchen and knocking down walls. Then he added his own decorative touches to make the light and bright space fit his fashion-forward style.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Hywel Davies and his partner
Location: Lower Clapton, Hackney, East London
Size: 160 square meters (1,722 square feet); 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bathrooms
Midcentury Living Room by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
Davies describes his design style as basic and functional, with a mix of vintage and new. He sources most of his furnishings from London's secondhand shops and from markets in Berlin and Paris.

He highlights subtle symmetries in each of the home's spaces. This pair of black leather armchairs is from a Royal Air Force base.
Contemporary Living Room by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
A well-worn chesterfield leather sofa from John Lewis adds soft lines to this linear room and contrasts with the zigzag floor lamp. Stacked industrial-style stools are at the ready for when Davies entertains.

"The living room is my preferred place in the house to relax, as it's just a staircase away from my basement study," he says.
Contemporary Dining Room by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
Black Eames dowel-leg side chairs make a statement around a 1960s Danish table. Davies is drawn to the clean lines of Danish design and frequents the Danish Homestore in Nottingham.
Contemporary Kitchen by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
Stairs lead down from the main entryway into this ground-floor kitchen. The kitchen and dining area lead directly onto a newly added garden deck.
Contemporary Kitchen by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
New skylights keep the kitchen space open and encourage flow from the kitchen to the garden deck. An upholstered armchair at the head of the table can easily become a reading nook during the day.
Contemporary Kitchen by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
The biggest and most costly part of the remodel was cladding the new kitchen in stainless steel. Davies opted for a few open shelves to minimize clutter.
Contemporary Deck by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
Davies added a garden deck, where he enjoys dining and where he maintains a small variety of potted plants.
Traditional Exterior by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
This is a view of the house from the back of the large garden. "My idea of gardening is getting someone else to do it," Davies says.
Contemporary Staircase by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
Upstairs, he added a wall decal of a world map to accent the blank wall between the three bedrooms.
Contemporary Hall by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
A unique industrial-style dresser found at a secondhand store also sits in the hallway between the bedrooms
Contemporary Bedroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
In this guest bedroom, and in the other bedrooms too, Davies splurged on authentic Fog & Mørup pendant lights.
Contemporary Bedroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
The master bedroom maintains the same minimal, neutral color palette as the rest of house.
Contemporary Bedroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
Davies collects graphic design posters. Hanging here is a poster commemorating the 50th anniversary of the font Helvetica.
Contemporary Bedroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
Davies repurposed a vintage crate as a TV stand, which conveniently hides the wires behind.
Contemporary Bathroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
He knocked down walls to combine two small bedrooms into one large bathroom. A gray claw-foot tub has a view of the backyard garden. In the corner, built-in shelves hold towels and other essentials.
Contemporary Bathroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
The large walk-in shower features classic white subway tiles.
Contemporary Bathroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
Davies chose an old-fashioned lavatory during the renovation to add to the vintage, traditional feel. Along with the tub, it's a surprising highlight of the space.
Contemporary Bedroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
An additional guest bedroom with Orla Kiely bedding and an old leather teddy welcomes guests and friends.
Contemporary Bedroom by Beccy Smart Photography
Beccy Smart Photography
See more photos of this house
Comment17
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Comments (17)
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sharon king
All but, but not stark. The furniiture and accessories are just right.
   
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blanchard
I so love a masculine decor.....but this is too much white for me. I know it can be one gray day after another in England at times, and perhaps the white lightens the mood. I think the addition of some color, even if only thru throw rugs, would enhance the look....and the masculinity of the space.
   
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sharon king
Oops! I meant all white, but not stark. The furniture and accessories add just the right touch!
   

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